Sketch vs Adobe Illustrator Comparison
Sketch
Starting at $9 /User/Month
- Individuals
- Freelancers / Consultants
Sketch is a professional tool for designing interfaces and websites. It features graphical tools for creating artwork, as well as built-in tools for prototyping and wireframing for apps. It’s for everybody who turns idea…
Adobe Illustrator
Starting at $20.99 /Month
- Free Trial
- Individuals
- Medium Business
Adobe Illustrator is a powerful graphics tool for logos, icons, and digital illustrations. Quickly create professional quality art for web, print, video, and interactive projects. Capture ideas anytime, anywhere with the…
Adobe Illustrator leads on user satisfaction with a 5.0-star rating across 551 reviews.
Sketch vs Adobe Illustrator — at a glance
| Feature | Sketch | Adobe Illustrator |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.6 / 5 | 5.0 / 5 |
| Reviews | 1,000 | 551 |
| Starting price | $9 /User/Month | $20.99 /Month |
| Free trial | No | Yes |
| Free version | No | No |
| Best for | Individuals, Freelancers / Consultants, Large Enterprises | Individuals, Medium Business, Small Business |
| Category | Graphic Design Software | Graphic Design Software |
| Platforms | SaaS/Web/Cloud, Installed - Mac | SaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - iOS, Installed - Windows, Installed - Mac |
| API | Available | — |
| Support modes | Online | Online |
| Certifications | GDPR | GDPR |
| Data residency | US | Global |
Key differences between Sketch and Adobe Illustrator
- Pricing: Sketch starts at $9 /User/Month, while Adobe Illustrator starts at $20.99 /Month.
- Free trial: Adobe Illustrator offers a free trial; Sketch does not.
- User satisfaction: Adobe Illustrator scores higher with a 5.0-star average.
- Deployment: Sketch supports SaaS/Web/Cloud, Installed - Mac; Adobe Illustrator supports SaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - iOS, Installed - Windows, Installed - Mac.
Sketch vs Adobe Illustrator — find the better fit before you commit.
Which tool fits your team best
Which is actually cheaper for your team size
Where each product wins, per real buyers
Most Graphic Design Software tools look identical on paper. This comparison cuts to the differences that matter — pricing structure, team fit, and what real buyers found after signing up.
Biggest differences
Features
Pricing
Buying details
Security
Buyer feedback
Integrations
Product tour
Other options
Talk to an expert Talk to an expert |
Free PDF comparison
Download this Sketch vs Adobe Illustrator comparison
Get the full side-by-side as a PDF — these picks plus the top Graphic Design Software tools, with verified ratings, pricing and features.
- Side-by-side on pricing, features & ratings
- Plus the category top 10, scored & ranked
- Emailed to you — no on-screen download
No file downloads on screen — we email it to you. One-click unsubscribe anytime.
Sketch vs Adobe Illustrator: Biggest differences
Start here before you go deeper into features.
Best for Mac-based UI/UX designers needing advanced prototyping and collaboration.
- You are a Mac user focused on designing web and mobile app interfaces.
- You need robust prototyping and reusable components to boost design productivity.
- Your team values real-time collaboration and extensive plugin integrations.
- Your team requires cross-platform support including Windows or Linux users.
- You are a beginner seeking a tool with minimal learning curve and onboarding.
Best for professional vector graphic design and brand asset creation.
- You need industry-leading vector design tools for logos and illustrations.
- You want seamless integration with Adobe Creative Cloud apps.
- Your team consists of experienced graphic designers or branding specialists.
- You are a beginner with no prior design experience or training.
- Your company has a very limited budget for software subscriptions.
Sketch: Best for Mac-based UI/UX designers needing advanced prototyping and collaboration. Adobe Illustrator: Best for professional vector graphic design and brand asset creation.
Description | Sketch is a professional tool for designing interfaces and websites. It features graphical tools for creating artwork, as well as built-in tools for prototyping and wireframing for apps. ... Read More about Sketch | Adobe Illustrator is a powerful graphics tool for logos, icons, and digital illustrations. Quickly create professional quality art for web, print, video, and interactive projects. Capture ... Read More about Adobe Illustrator |
|---|---|---|
Entry Level Pricing |
|
|
Free Trial Availability |
| |
SpotScoreWhat's this? ↗ | 9.0/10 | 9.1/10 |
User RatingsBased on verified Spotsaas reviews | ||
Best Company Size | Small BusinessMedium Business | Small businessesMedium businesses |
Get pricing help | Get pricing help |
Software Demo
Demo |
|---|
Need a second opinion?
Get decision help from a software advisor
Share your priorities, budget, and team needs, and we’ll help you narrow the options and understand the tradeoffs before you talk to vendors.
- Independent advice — matched to your business
- Understand the tradeoffs before you talk to vendors
- Free 15-min call with a software advisor.
Step 1 of 4
How big is your team?
We tailor recommendations to companies your size.
How do Sketch and Adobe Illustrator Compare on Features?
Total Features | 5 Features | 6 Features |
|---|---|---|
Unique Features | No unique features | No unique features |
Get Quote | Get Quote |
Compare Sketch and Adobe Illustrator on pricing
Review starting price, plan structure, and free-trial access side by side so you can see which option fits your budget and buying process.
Pricing Option | ||
|---|---|---|
Starting From |
|
|
Pricing Plans |
|
|
Pricing Page |  |  |
Sketch vs Adobe Illustrator: Other Details
Organization Types supported |
|
|
|---|---|---|
Platforms Supported |
|
|
Modes of support |
|
|
API Support |
|
|
Get help choosing | Get help choosing |
Sketch vs Adobe Illustrator Security & Compliance
Certifications, data handling, and security controls for IT and compliance evaluators.
HIPAA | ✗ No | — |
|---|---|---|
GDPR | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
Data Residency | 🇺🇸 US | 🌐 Global |
Sketch User Reviews & Rating Comparison
User Ratings | ||
|---|---|---|
Rating Distribution | ||
Spotsaas Editor’s POV generated by AI | Buyer sentiment Overall positive sentiment highlights Sketch's user-friendly interface, robust asset library, and strong collaboration features, tempered by concerns over Mac-only availability and learning curve. What buyers like
Common complaints
| Buyer sentiment Overall, users praise Adobe Illustrator for its powerful and versatile design tools but note the steep learning curve and high cost as significant drawbacks. What buyers like
Common complaints
|
Pros and Cons |
|
|
Positive Reviews | No reviews available for the product | No reviews available for the product |
Media and Screenshots
Screenshots |  3 Screenshots |  2 Screenshots |
|---|---|---|
Videos |  3 Videos |  2 Videos |
Add another option to compare side by side
Search by product name to compare pricing, fit, and buyer feedback in one view.Compare similar software options
Disclaimer: This research has been collated from a variety of authoritative sources. We welcome your feedback at [email protected].
Frequently asked questions
- Which is better, Sketch or Adobe Illustrator?
- Adobe Illustrator edges out the other on user ratings (5.0 vs 4.6). That said, the best pick depends on your use case — use the comparison tables above to evaluate each dimension.
- Do Sketch and Adobe Illustrator offer a free trial?
- Adobe Illustrator offers a free trial. Sketch does not.
- What is the starting price of Sketch vs Adobe Illustrator?
- Sketch starts at $9 /User/Month. Adobe Illustrator starts at $20.99 /Month.
- What are the top alternatives to Sketch?
- Top alternatives to Sketch include Snappa, CorelDraw, Adobe Illustrator, DesignEvo, DesignCap.
- What are the top alternatives to Adobe Illustrator?
- Top alternatives to Adobe Illustrator include Crello, Looka, Picmaker, Easil, DesignCap.